Circumcision With the Plastibell Technique: A Descriptive Case Series

Abstract

Background The Plastibell technique is one of the most commonly performed procedures used for male circumcision (MC) and is in practice throughout the world. It is a procedure done under local anaesthesia, mostly on infants. The results of the technique have been evaluated in many studies throughout the world. We have done a series of cases and present the results of our retrospective descriptive study. The objective of this study was to describe the outcomes of circumcision performed via the Plastibell technique. Materials and methods This retrospective descriptive study was conducted at the Surgical A Unit, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from July 2013 to June 2021. Clinical records of the infants who underwent circumcision were collected. Infants under the age of six months brought by their parents were included in the study. Infants whose parents requested methods other than Plastibell and infants with bleeding disorders or a family history of such disorders were excluded from the study. The indication for circumcision was for religious reasons in all cases. Post-operative complications were noted in all cases. Results A total of 364 male babies under the age of six months (mean age 43.5±15 days) underwent circumcision with the Plastibell technique. The mean operative time was 11.3±3.7 minutes. The time it took for the ring to fall off was 7.8±3.04 days. In one case, primary haemorrhage required exploration and diathermy of the bleeder. Oedema occurred in 76(20.8%) of the babies. Adhesions of the foreskin with the glans were formed in 3(0.82%) cases. Conclusion Male circumcision is one of the oldest surgical procedures performed. Several methods are in practise in this regard. The results of our study showed that circumcision with the Plastibell method is safe and has fewer side effects.